I drive a Ranger also. I built a custom rack for the very back of the bed (no topper). At the time I use foam pads on the roof of the cab. I now use Saris roof rack (very solid).

On a windy day on a two lane hwy a semi truck passed me going the opposite direction. The truck shacked and shimmed the foam pads were gone.

I can not be sure but if it were not for the bow and stern lines the canoe would have done an “Asphalt Ballet”.

I am sold on the use of bow and stern lines, it only takes a few more minutes to add the lines and gives a strong sense of security.

I am known for going on short jaunts from home with 5 lines on my boat. 3 going across the boat and a double bow and stern line.

Why risk it.

Jason Given

: Whether to use a bow or bow AND stern line (in addition to the lines securing
: boat to rack) may depend on the distance between the rack cross bars.

: When I carry my kayaks atop my Saab, I always use both bow and stern lines--
: and still get a little swaying of the boat (not "lifting" as in
: ready to fly, but back & forth motion). It feels much more secure to
: have both lines.

: When I carry my kayaks atop my Ford Ranger that has a topper, I don't need
: the line on the stern... I use the same saddles on both vehicles... the
: difference is that the distance between the cross bars on the Ranger is
: greater -- which isn't possible to duplicate on the Saab's short roofline.
: Crosswinds that push boats around a bit on the Saab don't affect the same
: boats on the same saddles on the Ranger.

: Julie Kanarr